Stress & Brainstorming

BRAINSTORM

1. Write Everything Down

On a separate sheet of paper, write down everything that causes you stress. It can be a person, place, thing, or idea. It can be a challenge, an opportunity, something you have, or something you lack. Write down whatever comes to mind, even if it seems irrelevant—just keep writing.

Tip: While you can use a computer, tablet, or phone, writing by hand creates a unique brain-body connection that helps activate your mind more effectively than typing or dictating.

2. Set a Time Limit

Give yourself 5 to 10 minutes. If you are working in a group, you can take a bit longer, but keep it structured—spending too much time can become counterproductive.

3. Just Write—Don't Overthink

Focus on generating as many ideas as possible. Don't worry about spelling, neatness, or judgment. As long as you are focused on what stresses you, every thought is useful.

4. Pause and Step Away

When time is up, stop and set your list aside—whether for a few minutes, an hour, overnight, or a few days. Your brain will continue to process these thoughts in the background. If time permits, take a brief break before moving on to prioritizing your list.

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